The ACT Brumbies will strengthen their ties with the Far South Coast in February. Batemans Bay will play host to one of two junior Academy sessions on February 17, while the South Coast 7s rugby tournament runs February 23-24. “It’s a delight for the Brumbies to hold two satellite Academies on the South Coast given such a quality pool of players,” South Coast rugby development officer Lachlan Creighton said. Following a successful outing at Tathra last year, Mr Creighton said interest had been heightened and numbers were already up from the showing of 18 teams last year. “It’s great fun to watch, really fast paced, skills based rugby,” Former Wallaby Gary Pearse said of last year’s 7s. “The whole day is set off by a carnival atmosphere, so it’s the perfect chance for people to get a taste for the sport.” Mr Pearse said the teams were driven to success by their coach Scott Harris. “We’re so lucky to have his enthusiasm and ability available to the young players in our area,” he said. The aim of the academies is to identify talented young athletes from any code and adapt and enhance those skills for rugby union. Mr Creighton said the results had been speaking for themselves. “In 2018, almost half the Brumbies Youth 7s was made up of Far South Coast products,” Mr Creighton said. Eight Falcons carried through to the State competition including Tamika Millard, Jorja Moore, Makayla Morris, Alana Dummett, Molly Carr, Eleni Ives, Bella Kiely and Emily Hudson. Tamika, Jorja, Makayla and Alana went on to represent the area at Youth Nationals. Jorja was also named the under 16s Brumbies Player of the Next Generation. The Falcons said the ongoing support of the Brumbies had been providing an exceptional pathway for local players that had not existed previously. Both Lilly Rose-Bennett and Millie Boyle have worked through the Brumbies system and gone on to represent Australia in the sport. Rose-Bennett planted three tries in the final for Australia to secure gold in the Games, while Boyle is a capped Wallaroo in both the Four Nations and the World Cup. ​